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Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Laptop Review: Unique E-Ink Display Meets Average Hardware

One-trick pony. When it was first announced the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus caused a bit of a sensation. After all, laptops equipped with e-ink displays are certainly unique and special. We were thus very keen to find out how useful this feature really was. Too bad the rest of the Lenovo laptop behind the e-ink display wasn't anything to write home about.

E-ink, sometimes referred to as e-paper, is a technology that is rarely ever seen in traditional computers despite the fact that it offers a number of advantages. For example, it emulates and looks strikingly similar to real paper, much more so than traditional LCD or OLED displays, and its power consumption is significantly lower to boot.

Lenovo is the latest in a short list of manufacturers that decided to give the e-ink technology a shot and equipped its latest ThinkBook series for SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses) with an additional e-ink display. The ThinkBook Plus therefore comes with two displays, a traditional 13.3-inch display with FHD LCD IPS panel on the inside and another 10.8-inch monochrome e-ink display on the outside of the display lid. Our review unit’s remaining specifications are fairly common: Core i7, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of SSD storage. At the time of writing our review unit cost $1,529 with a more affordable i5/8GB/256GB SKU available for $1,299.

As such the ThinkBook is clearly competing in a price range where we usually tend to find traditional business notebooks. Our comparison group is therefore comprised of the Dynabook Portege X30L-G, Fujitsu LifeBook U939, and Lenovo ThinkPad X13.

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7 (ThinkBook Plus Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-10510U 4 x 1.8 - 4.9 GHz, Comet Lake-U
Graphics adapter
Memory
16 GB 
, DDR4-2666, 1x SO-DIMM, Single-Channel
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 166 PPI, Capacitive (E-Ink), native pen support, LP133WF7-SPB1, IPS LED, Top Cover Display: 10.8" E-ink monochromatic, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Comet Lake-U PCH-LP Premium
Storage
WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G, 512 GB 
, 512 GB, M.2 2280, PCIe NMVe, 433 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Comet Lake PCH-LP - cAVS
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, Audio Connections: 3.5mm, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 17.4 x 308 x 217 ( = 0.69 x 12.13 x 8.54 in)
Battery
45 Wh Lithium-Ion, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 10.5 h
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD 720p
Additional features
Speakers: 2 Watt Stereo, Keyboard: 6-row chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, Lenovo Precision Pen, 65 W USB C Slim Charger, Lenovo Vantage, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.406 kg ( = 49.6 oz / 3.1 pounds), Power Supply: 309 g ( = 10.9 oz / 0.68 pounds)
Price
1350 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
86.9 %
10/2020
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
i7-10510U, UHD Graphics 620
1.4 kg17.4 mm13.30"1920x1080
85.1 %
05/2020
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620
859 g17.9 mm13.30"1920x1080
83.7 %
07/2020
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620
900 g15 mm13.30"1920x1080
89.5 %
08/2020
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
R7 PRO 4750U, Vega 7
1.3 kg16.9 mm13.30"1920x1080

ThinkBook Plus with Metal Case

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus

With the display lid opened the ThinkBook Plus looks strikingly similar to the ThinkBook 13s. Neither color nor form and design are any different, and the only update is the relocated fingerprint reader that can now be found along the right-hand edge. The overall design language is modern and minimalist. Given that it lacks any sort of color accentuations, such as for example the ThinkPad’s legendary red TrackPoint, it looks even more inconspicuous with is dark-gray case. Only the chrome elements around the touchpad and the display lid introduce at least some form of visual flair.

However, things quickly change when looking at the exterior of the display lid where we find the device’s unique and special feature, the second display. As a result, it is partly made of glass with a metal bottom chin, which results in a not particularly sturdy and solid design. While depressing the rear did not result in any ripples on the main display, we were able to twist and warp the entire display lid very easily, more so than on other laptops with metal case. In return, the base unit turned out to be almost immune to external forces and we were unable to depress its aluminum top cover at all.

The neatly looking pipe-like hinges are very strong and managed to hold the display firmly in place with an opening angle of 180 degrees. Unfortunately, one-handed operation is not possible and given that the display is very top-heavy you need to be careful when the ThinkBook Plus is standing close to an edge lest it tips over backwards.

Overall, its weight of 1.4 kg is fairly high for a 13.3-inch laptop, especially when compared to incredibly lightweight competitors such as the U939. The ThinkBook Plus may be slightly thinner than the Lifebook but thicker than most other compact office laptops. When compared to the ThinkBook 13s the main reason for its added heft and bulk would most certainly be the additional e-ink display.

Size Comparison

311.9 mm / 12.3 inch 217.2 mm / 8.55 inch 16.9 mm / 0.665 inch 1.3 kg2.84 lbs309 mm / 12.2 inch 212 mm / 8.35 inch 17.9 mm / 0.705 inch 859 g1.894 lbs308 mm / 12.1 inch 217 mm / 8.54 inch 17.4 mm / 0.685 inch 1.4 kg3.1 lbs309 mm / 12.2 inch 213 mm / 8.39 inch 15 mm / 0.591 inch 900 g1.984 lbs307.6 mm / 12.1 inch 216 mm / 8.5 inch 15.9 mm / 0.626 inch 1.3 kg2.94 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity of Lenovo’s Laptop Could be Better

Minimalism was not only key when designing the device but also when determining its connectivity. No card reader and but a single USB-C port that is used for charging and carries a DisplayPort signal but lacks Thunderbolt support. Legacy ports include a single HDMI as well as two USB-A ports with a more than questionable positioning (HDMI sits behind the charging port) and spacing (the USB ports are very close to each other). Ideally, the charging port should be located as far back as possible.

right: 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A
right: 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A
left: HDMI, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C, audio combo
left: HDMI, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C, audio combo

Communication

Despite its modern and up-to-date Intel Wireless AX201 Wi-Fi card the ThinkBook Plus’s Wi-Fi transfer rates were comparatively low. We would have expected more from a 2x2 design.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1484 (1301min - 1644max) MBit/s +70%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (49.8 - 1775, n=324)
1161 MBit/s +33%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (606 - 1339, n=3, last 2 years)
1056 MBit/s +21%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
903 (452min - 920max) MBit/s +3%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
875 (806min - 918max) MBit/s
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
659 (334min - 679max) MBit/s -25%
iperf3 receive AX12
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1335 (1208min - 1544max) MBit/s +117%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (136 - 1743, n=324)
1261 MBit/s +105%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (623 - 1690, n=3, last 2 years)
1258 MBit/s +104%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1257 (668min - 1414max) MBit/s +104%
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
653 (615min - 685max) MBit/s +6%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
616 (553min - 653max) MBit/s
0501001502002503003504004505005506006507007508008509009501000105011001150120012501300135014001450150015501600Tooltip
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø616 (553-653)
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1256 (668-1414)
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5 Intel Wireless-AC 9560; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø653 (615-685)
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1335 (1208-1544)
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø874 (806-918)
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1484 (1301-1644)
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5 Intel Wireless-AC 9560; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø648 (334-679)
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø887 (452-920)

Webcam

ColorChecker
11.4 ∆E
9.3 ∆E
10.9 ∆E
6.9 ∆E
9.3 ∆E
7.8 ∆E
8.8 ∆E
11.9 ∆E
9.5 ∆E
3.3 ∆E
6 ∆E
6.5 ∆E
8.2 ∆E
7.9 ∆E
6.8 ∆E
2.6 ∆E
5 ∆E
7.8 ∆E
5.6 ∆E
8.6 ∆E
7.8 ∆E
4.2 ∆E
4 ∆E
9.3 ∆E
ColorChecker Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7: 7.48 ∆E min: 2.64 - max: 11.91 ∆E

Security

Its SMB trait means that the ThinkBook does not come with the same plethora of security features as full-fledged business laptops such as for example the Lenovo ThinkPad X13. Among others it lacks a smart card reader, a Kensington lock, an infrared camera, and a mechanical webcam shutter. The only security feature available is the fingerprint reader integrated into the power button. It worked flawlessly in our tests, but we found its position on the side to be less than ideal.

Accessories

The included power supply is the same compact 65 W unit found on the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8. In addition, Lenovo also includes a digitizer pen, Lenovo accessory article number 4X80Z50965. It feels good when held in hand, offers multiple buttons, and attaches to the side of the case due to the fact that it is magnetic and made of metal.

ThinkBook Plus digitizer
ThinkBook Plus digitizer

Maintenance

A total of nine Torx screws secure the bottom panel to the base unit. Keep in mind that these screws will fall out very easily and are thus prone to get lost. Once all screws have been removed the bottom panel is held in place by a number of plastic clips that have to be undone, ideally starting around the hinges.

Once removed you have access to various internal ThinkBook Plus components, such as the battery, the fans, or the thermal compound. Neither RAM or Wi-Fi module nor SSD are soldered and can thus all be replaced and upgraded. Unfortunately, the device is equipped with just a single RAM slot.

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus internal hardware
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus internal hardware

Warranty

Lenovo’s default warranty is limited to 12-months of bring-in services, which is short for a laptop in this price range above 1,000 Euros. Many consumer laptops in this price range come with two years of warranty, and many business laptops even with three years of on-site service. Keep in mind that warranty terms differ from one country to another, and European customers tend to get much longer warranties than for example US customers where 12 months of limited warranty are the norm rather than the exception.

Input Devices: E-Ink as ThinkBook Plus Bonus

Keyboard

The keyboard is identical to that of the ThinkBook 13s. Layout and design are derived from Lenovo’s IdeaPad and Yoga consumer-line of laptops, and the backlit keyboard has nothing in common with Lenovo’s ThinkPad keyboards. This, however, does not render the keyboard unusable per se. Its smooth dark-gray keys offer adequate key travel and a comparatively well-defined and firm accentuation point. This keyboard will not go down as one of the best of its kind, but it remains a usable input device, nevertheless.

Touchpad

At 10.5 x 8.3 cm (4.1 x 3.3 inches) the touchpad is comparatively large but far from ginormous. Its matte surface is comparatively smooth but at the same time unable to keep up with higher-quality glass-covered units. The same applies to its integrated buttons’ click mechanism, which could have been less noisy and slightly softer. Software support, on the other hand, was superb and trouble-free, and supports gesture detection and input thanks to Microsoft’s Precision drivers.

The lack of a TrackPoint pointing device is a deliberate decision on Lenovo’s part in order to create a distinction between ThinkBooks and ThinkPads.

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus keyboard
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus keyboard

E-Ink Display

The ThinkBook Plus may not have a touchscreen per se but supports touch input nevertheless as its matte monochrome FHD e-ink display at the rear side of the display lid includes a capacitive touch layer. It does not support multi-touch (one finger only) but the included Lenovo digitizer instead.

By default, it comes with two applications: a reader application for opening and reading PDF documents and a notes application for taking notes and drawing. This may render the ThinkBook Plus very interesting for educational purposes and may even replace a dedicated e-ink equipped eBook reader.

ThinkBook Plus E-Ink: main menu with adjustable wallpaper
ThinkBook Plus E-Ink: main menu with adjustable wallpaper
ThinkBook Plus E-Ink: settings
ThinkBook Plus E-Ink: settings
ThinkBook Plus E-Ink: reading mode
ThinkBook Plus E-Ink: reading mode
ThinkBook Plus E-Ink: digitizer mode
ThinkBook Plus E-Ink: digitizer mode

The LCD Display is Matte

ThinkBook Plus pixel array
ThinkBook Plus pixel array
Minor backlight bleeding (intensified)
Minor backlight bleeding (intensified)

The ThinkBook Plus’s main display runs at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 (FHD) and does not support touch input. All available panels are matte, based on IPS technology, and lack support for touch input. At just 300 nits its maximum brightness is mediocre at best, however Lenovo claims full Dolby Vison HDR support.

On a brighter note we found that the panel exceeded its specified maximum brightness significantly and peaked at 329 nits. That said it is still unable to keep up with its similarly priced business notebook competitors, some of which offer much brighter displays. The difference between the ThinkBook Plus and the Dynabook Portege is particularly striking. Our Lenovo ThinkPad X13 review unit’s display was slightly dimmer than the ThinkBook’s but it can be optionally equipped and purchased with much brighter displays. In the ThinkBook’s case the lack of LCD options is a clear disadvantage.

337
cd/m²
342
cd/m²
336
cd/m²
313
cd/m²
328
cd/m²
310
cd/m²
323
cd/m²
347
cd/m²
328
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LP133WF7-SPB1 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 347 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 329.3 cd/m² Minimum: 32.3 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Center on Battery: 328 cd/m²
Contrast: 1562:1 (Black: 0.21 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 6.4 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 1.2
ΔE Greyscale 6.5 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
95.9% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
61.6% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
67% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
96.1% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
66% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.87
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
LP133WF7-SPB1, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.30
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Toshiba TOS508F, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Sharp SHP14BD, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
B133HAK01.1, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.30
Display
1%
-1%
-2%
Display P3 Coverage
66
66.9
1%
65.3
-1%
64.8
-2%
sRGB Coverage
96.1
97.6
2%
95
-1%
95.6
-1%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
67
67.8
1%
66
-1%
65.7
-2%
Response Times
-7%
2%
0%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
53.6 ?(26, 27.6)
54.8 ?(26, 28.8)
-2%
55.2 ?(26.8, 28.4)
-3%
56.8 ?(29.2, 27.6)
-6%
Response Time Black / White *
32 ?(18, 14)
35.6 ?(19.2, 16.4)
-11%
29.6 ?(10.8, 18.8)
7%
30 ?(16.8, 13.2)
6%
PWM Frequency
23810 ?(24)
211.9 ?(30)
Screen
17%
-2%
1%
Brightness middle
328
482
47%
384
17%
331
1%
Brightness
329
452
37%
362
10%
315
-4%
Brightness Distribution
89
91
2%
90
1%
90
1%
Black Level *
0.21
0.4
-90%
0.31
-48%
0.21
-0%
Contrast
1562
1205
-23%
1239
-21%
1576
1%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
6.4
1.85
71%
4.8
25%
6.1
5%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
11.2
3.08
72%
9.4
16%
10
11%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.2
1.2
-0%
1.4
-17%
1.2
-0%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
6.5
2
69%
6.6
-2%
6.3
3%
Gamma
2.87 77%
2.1 105%
2.2 100%
2.77 79%
CCT
6428 101%
6822 95%
7999 81%
6938 94%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
61.6
62.5
1%
61.2
-1%
60.7
-1%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
95.9
97.7
2%
95
-1%
95.4
-1%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
4% / 11%
-0% / -1%
-0% / 1%

* ... smaller is better

Colors
Colors
Saturation
Saturation
Grayscale
Grayscale
Colors (calibrated)
Colors (calibrated)
Saturation (calibrated)
Saturation (calibrated)
Grayscale
Grayscale

We found no noticeable color tint on the ThinkBook’s display. Colors were rendered significantly too dark, though. Using CalMAN and the X-Rite i1Pro2 we were able to properly calibrate the display and improve color accuracy noticeably. Once calibrated the display performed very well thanks to its low black level of 0.21 nits and its high contrast ratio of 1562:1.

Unfortunately, it barely failed to cover the sRGB color space completely. However, given how close it got to full coverage it should be well-usable for non-professional photo editing purposes.

Outdoors (overcast)
Outdoors (overcast)
sRGB: 95,9 %
sRGB: 95,9 %
AdobeRGB: 61,6 %
AdobeRGB: 61,6 %

Thanks to its matte surface the display was very well usable outdoors. However, we advise you to keep your expectations in check as it would need to be dramatically brighter for use in sunlight.

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
32 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 18 ms rise
↘ 14 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 84 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
53.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 26 ms rise
↘ 27.6 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 89 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18071 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Given that the panel is based on IPS technology with WVA technology (wide viewing angles, according to the specs) viewing angles were very wide.

Disappointing Performance: Lenovo ThinkBook with Intel Comet Lake

Lenovo opted for Intel’s current Comet Lake Platform for the ThinkBook Plus. Currently available SKUs include the Core i5-10210U and the i7-10510U. The i7-10710U is not yet available but at least it is listed in the data sheet. Unlike ThinkPads ThinkBooks lack support for vPro. The only GPU available is Intel’s integrated UHD Graphics 620, which is further impeded by the single-channel RAM interface courtesy of aforementioned singular DDR4-2666 SO-DIMM RAM slot. At most the ThinkBook Plus will support up to 32 GB of RAM. At the time of writing SKUs with more than 16 GB were not available. The single storage slot is occupied by an M.2-2280 SSD.

CPU-Z Caches
CPU-Z Caches
CPU-Z Mainboard
CPU-Z Mainboard
CPU-Z Memory
CPU-Z Memory
CPU-Z SPD
CPU-Z SPD
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
HWiNFO
HWiNFO
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
 

Processor

Our review unit was equipped with an Intel Core i7-10510U, which is based on Intel’s outdated Skylake architecture and manufactured in an even more outdated 14-nm process. Its four cores run at between 1.8 and 4.8 GHz, and it supports up to eight threads thanks to Hyper-Threading. vPro is not supported. Additional details can be found on our CPU comparison list.

CPU performance depended on Lenovo’s Intelligent Cooling driver, which supports three modes with different power limits each that can be switched between using FN+Q:

  • Auto - PL1 12-16 Watts, PL2 18 Watts
  • Performance - PL1 33 Watts, PL2 42 Watts
  • Quiet - PL1 12 Watts, PL2 14 Watts

By default, the ThinkBook Plus runs in Auto mode, which means we ran our tests and benchmarks with this mode enabled. In this mode, power limit 1 for sustained load is dynamically adjusted. Accordingly, the device performed rather poorly, especially when compared to the AMD-equipped Lenovo ThinkPad X13. In addition to Auto mode we ran our Cinebench test in Performance mode as well, and while the ThinkBook performed noticeably better than on Auto mode it still lagged behind other laptops with newer CPUs by a significant margin.

We found no signs of performance throttling on battery.

0357010514017521024528031535038542045549052556059563066570073577080584087591094598010151050108511201155119012251260Tooltip
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7 Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel Core i7-10510U; Performance-Mode: Ø607 (583.48-718.79)
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7 Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel Core i7-10510U: Ø482 (465.68-552.54)
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331 Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel Core i5-10210U: Ø479 (475.43-482.26)
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5 Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel Core i5-8265U: Ø487 (483.93-509.34)
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800 AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U, AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U: Ø1173 (1057.08-1287.21)
Cinebench R20: CPU (Multi Core) | CPU (Single Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Multi 64Bit | CPU Single 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 -mmt1 | 7z b 4
Geekbench 5.5: Single-Core | Multi-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (810 - 6314, n=67, last 2 years)
3899 Points +153%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
2935 Points +91%
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
2108 Points +37%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
1540 Points
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
1149 Points -25%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (1015 - 1897, n=38)
1412 Points -8%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1312 Points -15%
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
1127 Points -27%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
1121 Points -27%
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (216 - 738, n=67, last 2 years)
606 Points +56%
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
583 Points +50%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
475 Points +22%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
457 Points +17%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (362 - 497, n=37)
437 Points +12%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
412 Points +6%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
389 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
374 Points -4%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (514 - 2581, n=73, last 2 years)
1728 Points +140%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
1287 (1057.08min - 1287.21max) Points +79%
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
960 (672.4min - 695.53max) Points +34%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
724 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
719 Points
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
553 (465.68min - 552.54max) Points -23%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (482 - 856, n=45)
666 Points -7%
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
509 (485.37min - 509.34max) Points -29%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
479 (475.43min - 482.26max) Points -33%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (91.8 - 280, n=65, last 2 years)
235 Points +52%
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
210 Points +36%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
184 Points +19%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
183 Points +18%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (113 - 202, n=42)
178.4 Points +15%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
166 Points +7%
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
159 Points +3%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
154.5 Points
Blender / v2.79 BMW27 CPU
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
925 Seconds * -0%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
925 Seconds * -0%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
921 Seconds *
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
918 Seconds * -0%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (628 - 1051, n=31)
796 Seconds * +14%
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
660 Seconds * +28%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
403 Seconds * +56%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (201 - 1600, n=69, last 2 years)
390 Seconds * +58%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 -mmt1
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5326 MIPS +21%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2197 - 6403, n=61, last 2 years)
5299 MIPS +20%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (3747 - 4981, n=31)
4591 MIPS +4%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
4438 MIPS +1%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
4415 MIPS 0%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
4401 MIPS
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
4333 MIPS -2%
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
4000 MIPS -9%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4
Average of class Subnotebook
  (16223 - 67444, n=60, last 2 years)
43704 MIPS +182%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
37081 MIPS +140%
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
23087 MIPS +49%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (12196 - 21298, n=31)
17704 MIPS +14%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
15667 MIPS +1%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
15477 MIPS
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
15309 MIPS -1%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
14570 MIPS -6%
Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core
Average of class Subnotebook
  (672 - 2350, n=69, last 2 years)
1683 Points +46%
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
1575 Points +37%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1316 Points +14%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (977 - 1287, n=31)
1197 Points +4%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
1157 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
1153 Points
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
1096 Points -5%
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
1047 Points -9%
Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4213 - 12580, n=69, last 2 years)
8865 Points +193%
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5926 Points +96%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
5600 Points +85%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
4652 Points +54%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (2474 - 4484, n=31)
3687 Points +22%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
3576 Points +18%
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
3568 Points +18%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
3027 Points
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 / 4k Preset
Average of class Subnotebook
  (1.5 - 19.4, n=59, last 2 years)
11.8 fps +198%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
8.33 fps +110%
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5.58 fps +41%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (3.41 - 6.04, n=31)
4.65 fps +17%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
4.11 fps +4%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
4.01 fps +1%
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
4 fps +1%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
3.96 fps
LibreOffice / 20 Documents To PDF
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
60.9 s *
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
60.7 s * -0%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
60.6 s * -0%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (50.7 - 77.8, n=27)
59.9 s * +2%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
58.4 s * +4%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (40.1 - 120.5, n=60, last 2 years)
53.2 s * +13%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
51.6 s * +15%
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
49.4 s * +19%
R Benchmark 2.5 / Overall mean
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel Core i5-8265U
0.73 sec * -5%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel Core i5-10210U
0.704 sec * -2%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
0.693 sec *
Asus ZenBook 13 UX325JA
Intel Core i7-1065G7
0.68 sec * +2%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U
  (0.637 - 0.81, n=28)
0.68 sec * +2%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
0.613 sec * +12%
Acer SF514-55T
Intel Core i7-1165G7
0.554 sec * +20%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (0.4397 - 1.236, n=60, last 2 years)
0.525 sec * +24%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
719 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
44.63 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
154.5 Points
Help

System Performance

Overall system performance was inconspicuous and adequate, and we have no complaints whatsoever.

PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4384 - 7428, n=58, last 2 years)
5848 Points +44%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
Vega 7, R7 PRO 4750U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
4956 Points +22%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (3783 - 4688, n=16)
4299 Points +6%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
4217 Points +4%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
4052 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
3764 Points -7%
Essentials
Average of class Subnotebook
  (8890 - 11168, n=58, last 2 years)
10213 Points +17%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
Vega 7, R7 PRO 4750U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
9490 Points +9%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
9335 Points +7%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (8020 - 10546, n=16)
9266 Points +6%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
8730 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
7966 Points -9%
Productivity
Average of class Subnotebook
  (6213 - 10279, n=58, last 2 years)
7852 Points +12%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
7317 Points +4%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (6554 - 8036, n=16)
7243 Points +3%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
Vega 7, R7 PRO 4750U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
7098 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
7033 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
6287 Points -11%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4093 - 9749, n=58, last 2 years)
6847 Points +133%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
Vega 7, R7 PRO 4750U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
4905 Points +67%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2465 - 4741, n=16)
3239 Points +10%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
2980 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
2942 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
2891 Points -2%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4730 - 5285, n=3, last 2 years)
5030 Points +46%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
Vega 7, R7 PRO 4750U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
4349 Points +26%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
3641 Points +5%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (3157 - 4251, n=13)
3635 Points +5%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
3454 Points
Work Score Accelerated v2
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
Vega 7, R7 PRO 4750U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
5573 Points +49%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
5039 Points +35%
Average Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (3734 - 5366, n=13)
4987 Points +34%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2972 - 5271, n=3, last 2 years)
3805 Points +2%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
3734 Points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3454 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3734 points
PCMark 10 Score
4052 points
Help

DPC Latencies

LatencyMon
LatencyMon
LatencyMon Drivers
LatencyMon Drivers
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
744 μs *

* ... smaller is better

Storage Devices

The built-in PCIe NVMe M.2-2280 SSD with 512 GB of space was made by Western Digital. It performed as expected for a flash drive in this price range. In other words: it was fast.

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
Average WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
7%
-4%
2%
10%
Write 4K
135.4
164.1
21%
159
17%
95.7
-29%
164.3 ?(106.9 - 242, n=21)
21%
Read 4K
48.83
49.34
1%
48.12
-1%
37.47
-23%
48.2 ?(36.8 - 57.9, n=21)
-1%
Write Seq
2036
1777
-13%
1657
-19%
2032
0%
2096 ?(1025 - 2707, n=21)
3%
Read Seq
2127
1752
-18%
1522
-28%
2207
4%
2123 ?(1356 - 2553, n=21)
0%
Write 4K Q32T1
394.1
401.1
2%
349.2
-11%
517
31%
451 ?(237 - 671, n=21)
14%
Read 4K Q32T1
345.2
498.7
44%
452.2
31%
387
12%
509 ?(333 - 838, n=21)
47%
Write Seq Q32T1
2700
2988
11%
1941
-28%
2977
10%
2551 ?(1087 - 2721, n=21)
-6%
Read Seq Q32T1
3331
3544
6%
3510
5%
3556
7%
3330 ?(2869 - 3426, n=21)
0%
WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 3331 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 2700 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 345.2 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 394.1 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 2127 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 2036 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 48.83 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 135.4 MB/s

Sustained Read Performance: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8

No graph data

GPU Performance

As was expected the ThinkBook Plus’s Intel UHD Graphics 620performed very poorly in our GPU benchmarks. To add insult to injury the ThinkBook Plus lacks support for dual-channel RAM mode due to its single RAM slot, which slowed down the already crawling-at-a-snail’s-pace GPU even further. Long story short: graphically demanding tasks are too much to ask for of the ThinkBook Plus, and you will have to limit yourself to undemanding tasks such as video playback or simple games.

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2979 - 16904, n=57, last 2 years)
8185 Points +373%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Radeon RX Vega 7, AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
4690 Points +171%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
1800 Points +4%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (1144 - 3432, n=244)
1749 Points +1%
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8265U
1731 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-10510U
1729 Points
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (13768 - 65911, n=42, last 2 years)
29375 Points +246%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Radeon RX Vega 7, AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
22904 Points +170%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (6205 - 16400, n=225)
9262 Points +9%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-10510U
8481 Points
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2837 - 12349, n=62, last 2 years)
5959 Points +454%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Radeon RX Vega 7, AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
3019 Points +181%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
1293 Points +20%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (557 - 2608, n=213)
1161 Points +8%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-10510U
1076 Points
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (811 - 4773, n=61, last 2 years)
2007 Points +482%
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
AMD Radeon RX Vega 7, AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U
949 Points +175%
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
402 Points +17%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (299 - 797, n=88)
389 Points +13%
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-10510U
345 Points
3DMark 11 Performance
1909 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
7366 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
988 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
395 points
Help
low med. high ultra
The Witcher 3 (2015) 15.9
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 65.6 39.4 18.5 16.5
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 11.5 10.3 9.58
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) 16.3
Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019) 18.2

Emissions: Lenovo ThinkBook Remains Cool

Noise Emissions

When idle, both of the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus’s fans were off, and even when they were spinning they produced no more than 30.1 dB(A) of sound pressure under normal load and peaked at 32.5 dB(A) at maximum load. These measurements were taken in Auto mode. Keep in mind that when set to Performance mode, the fans do get markedly louder.

Unfortunately, we also found coil whine on our ThinkBook Plus. Luckily, it turned out to be very quiet and only noticeable with our ear placed in direct proximity of the keyboard.

Noise Level

Idle
29.3 / 29.3 / 30.1 dB(A)
Load
30.9 / 32.5 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM-1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 29.3 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs203430.734.331.534.52527.425.927.928.627.33128.828.228.726.829.44029.926.628.126.9285027.129.529.927.429.66325.428.828.724.326.98024.925.626.123.526.710025.525.925.524.726.412523.922.92322.624.116023.522.322.82323.520023.322.822.522.523.825024.122.522.522.324.53152321.321.721.122.540022.321.820.72022.550022.421.120.619.822.263022.62119.819.222.280021.52019.118.221.2100020.219.318.617.520.3125020.119.217.817.420.5160021.319.418.617.221.2200020.518.317.816.520.3250020.419.117.916.420.7315022.519.217.616.222.2400019.717.316.31619.6500018.41716.315.918.6630016.516.215.915.816.6800015.815.91615.8161000015.715.615.915.615.71250015.615.515.715.315.61600015.315.315.415.215.3SPL32.530.930.129.332.5N1.71.51.41.21.7median 21.3median 19.3median 18.6median 17.4median 21.2Delta32.82.72.22.5hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseLenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7

Temperature

Stress test (Prime95 + FurMark)
Stress test (Prime95 + FurMark)

The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus barely heated up during use. With a maximum of 38.8 °C surface temperatures were only slightly higher than the average human body temperature. The reason for its coolness can be found in how it managed our stress test running Prime95 and FurMark simultaneously. With a maximum power consumption of 13 W and CPU clock speeds of no more than 1 GHz core temperatures peaked at a consistent 60 °C. Considering that a run of 3DMark 11 started immediately after finishing our stress test returned the expected scores this thermal throttling should have no effect on everyday use whatsoever.

Max. Load
 33 °C
91 F
31.7 °C
89 F
30.5 °C
87 F
 
 30.5 °C
87 F
30.4 °C
87 F
25.5 °C
78 F
 
 24.5 °C
76 F
22.9 °C
73 F
22.5 °C
73 F
 
Maximum: 33 °C = 91 F
Average: 27.9 °C = 82 F
29.5 °C
85 F
35.8 °C
96 F
38.8 °C
102 F
25.3 °C
78 F
29.8 °C
86 F
31.5 °C
89 F
24.1 °C
75 F
25.1 °C
77 F
26.3 °C
79 F
Maximum: 38.8 °C = 102 F
Average: 29.6 °C = 85 F
Power Supply (max.)  32.5 °C = 91 F | Room Temperature 20.3 °C = 69 F | Voltcraft IR-900
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 27.9 °C / 82 F, compared to the average of 30.7 °C / 87 F for the devices in the class Subnotebook.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 33 °C / 91 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 38.8 °C / 102 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.1 °C / 77 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 24.6 °C / 76.3 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (+3.7 °C / 6.6 F).
Stress test (top)
Stress test (top)
Stress test (bottom)
Stress test (bottom)

Speakers

The Harman-branded stereo speakers were a disappointment, to say the least. Not only did they lack bass and volume, their highs were also poorly balanced. You can achieve significantly better results by connecting external speakers to the built-in combo audio jack.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2031.533.42528.634.13126.832.24026.929.85027.429.16324.323.68023.523.110024.724.912522.623.2160233620022.546.425022.355.131521.155.94002056.850019.855.763019.256.580018.265.3100017.565.2125017.462.9160017.261.8200016.560.4250016.459.7315016.254.540001649.7500015.946.2630015.848.8800015.854.71000015.6541250015.349.61600015.243.7SPL29.371.7N1.227.2median 17.4median 54.7Delta2.25.835.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseLenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7 audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (71.7 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 15% lower than median
(-) | bass is not linear (16.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.9% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.6% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (23.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 78% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 18% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 67% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 26% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy Management: Average Battery Life for the ThinkBook Plus

Power Consumption

Power consumption was slightly elevated when idle, and we would have wished for a more efficient design. That said it performed above average under load due to its low power consumption in this scenario. At just 32.6 W the included 65 W power supply should have no issues supplying sufficient amounts of energy at all times.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.77 / 2.7 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.5 / 6.9 / 7.92 Watt
Load midlight 30 / 32.6 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
i7-10510U, UHD Graphics 620, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.30
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
R7 PRO 4750U, Vega 7, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.30
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
 
Average of class Subnotebook
 
Power Consumption
-1%
-10%
-27%
-12%
-44%
Idle Minimum *
4.5
2.8
38%
3.1
31%
6
-33%
3.81 ?(1 - 12.4, n=259)
15%
4.91 ?(1.77 - 11.8, n=64, last 2 years)
-9%
Idle Average *
6.9
4.9
29%
5.9
14%
8.9
-29%
6.94 ?(2.8 - 15.7, n=261)
-1%
8.38 ?(4.6 - 17.4, n=64, last 2 years)
-21%
Idle Maximum *
7.92
9
-14%
9.2
-16%
11.3
-43%
8.75 ?(3.8 - 30, n=259)
-10%
10.4 ?(5.1 - 22.4, n=64, last 2 years)
-31%
Load Average *
30
31.2
-4%
35.8
-19%
34.2
-14%
35 ?(8.1 - 51.6, n=259)
-17%
46.1 ?(19.1 - 83.3, n=63, last 2 years)
-54%
Load Maximum *
32.6
49.4
-52%
51.9
-59%
37.2
-14%
47.5 ?(22 - 96.3, n=261)
-46%
66.6 ?(24.2 - 121.2, n=64, last 2 years)
-104%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

Charging time: 113 minutes
Charging time: 113 minutes

With a battery capacity of 45 Wh the internal battery may not be the largest battery around but rather typical for Ultrabooks this size. The result is an average runtime of just over 8 hours in our Wi-Fi test. In other words: The ThinkBook Plus was inconspicuous and neither here nor there.

That said the built-in e-ink display may turn out to be its savior. Since it uses significantly less energy than the primary LCD display the ThinkBook Plus will last a very long time when reading books or other contents using the secondary e-ink display.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Edge Chromium)
8h 16min
WiFi Websurfing max. Brightness (Edge Chromium)
6h 31min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
9h 06min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 49min
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7
i7-10510U, UHD Graphics 620, 45 Wh
Dynabook Portege X30L-G1331
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620, 42 Wh
Fujitsu Lifebook U939 i5
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, 50 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad X13-20UGS00800
R7 PRO 4750U, Vega 7, 48 Wh
Average of class Subnotebook
 
Battery Runtime
1%
0%
-7%
25%
H.264
546
495
-9%
786 ?(426 - 1153, n=31, last 2 years)
44%
WiFi v1.3
496
500
1%
494
0%
522
5%
626 ?(303 - 1144, n=66, last 2 years)
26%
Load
109
92
-16%
114.5 ?(61 - 197, n=49, last 2 years)
5%

Pros

+ e-ink display
+ robust metal case
+ good keyboard
+ matte LCD
+ digitizer included
+ does not get particularly hot

Cons

- Intel Comet Lake: CPU/GPU performance not very good
- single-channel RAM
- no Thunderbolt, no microSD
- few security features
- short default warranty

Verdict

In review: Lenovo ThinkBook Plus. Review unit courtesy of Campuspoint
In review: Lenovo ThinkBook Plus. Review unit courtesy of Campuspoint

E-ink or no e-ink? This will inevitably be the primary question to consider should you be interested in the ThinkBook Plus. If you really intend to use the e-ink display on the display lid then that question has already been answered, and the purchasing decision most likely already made.

Besides this admittedly unique feature we found little to no interesting featss. Keyboard, case, and LCD display are decent but no better than average in its class, as is battery life. The ThinkBook Plus does have the benefit of low temperatures as well as the included digitizer stylus for the e-ink display. Which, in turn, is its largest and most prominent benefit and without a doubt its unique selling point.

On the flip side it is equipped with Intel’s outdated Comet Lake CPUs for which we find absolutely no explanation given that unlike on Lenovo’s real business laptops vPro isn’t even supported. Accordingly, performance is lacking, which is further fortified by the fact that the ThinkBook Plus lacks support for dual-channel RAM due to its single RAM slot. Its connectivity (no Thunderbolt, no microSD) and security are comparatively poor, and its default warranty of just 12 months is almost insulting for a laptop at this price point.

The e-ink display is the ThinkBook Plus’s only unique and special feature. If you are not interested in it, you are better off elsewhere.

There are numerous 13.3-inch laptops better than the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus. Only if you really need or want that e-ink display is it worth buying.

Note: given that we would otherwise not be able to consider the e-ink display in our rating we increased the ThinkBook Plus’s total score by one point.

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 13 i7 - 09/28/2020 v7
Benjamin Herzig

Chassis
86 / 98 → 87%
Keyboard
83%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
61 / 75 → 81%
Weight
70 / 20-75 → 91%
Battery
80%
Display
84%
Games Performance
50 / 78 → 64%
Application Performance
83 / 85 → 97%
Temperature
95%
Noise
94%
Audio
57 / 91 → 62%
Camera
25 / 85 → 29%
Add Points
+1%
Average
68%
87%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Laptop Review: Unique E-Ink Display Meets Average Hardware
Benjamin Herzig, 2020-10-10 (Update: 2020-10-10)